Feasibility of technical solutions for the detection of falsified images in research

In this report, we discuss the findings of an investigation into the feasibility of developing a research image integrity system. The focus was primarily on immunohistochemistry blots and microscopy images, although the findings are relevant to other types of research images such as gel blots and spectroscopy, geophysical, or astronomical images, as well as to any digital data type. The investigation comprised a mix of desk research and semi-structured (anonymised) interviews with nine stakeholders representing publishers, researchers, technologists, and microscopy companies. 

We found that it would be possible to implement a system to assert image integrity and that the technology to do so already exists. The key challenges are organisational and socio-technical; some form of shared governance and investment would be required to make it a reality.